Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf Recipe

Calling all lemon lovers! If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that perfectly moist and tangy Starbucks lemon loaf at home, this recipe is your answer. With its soft, tender crumb, bright lemon flavor, and a sweet, glossy lemon glaze, this loaf is irresistibly delicious. And the best part? You can make it from scratch using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat with coffee, this loaf will transport you straight to your favorite café. With just over an hour from start to finish, it’s approachable for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf

• Moist & Fluffy: Greek yogurt and milk keep the loaf tender and soft.
• Bright Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest pack a punch of citrusy goodness.
• Easy to Make: Minimal steps and simple ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or gifting.
• Homemade & Customizable: Adjust lemon intensity or sweetness to taste.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake ahead and enjoy anytime.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes one 9 x 5-inch loaf, serving 8–10 slices.

Lemon Loaf

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (224 g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2–3 large lemons)
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (canola or neutral oil)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½–1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup full-fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream), room temperature
• ⅓ cup whole milk, room temperature

Lemon Simple Syrup

• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• Juice of ½ lemon

Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a bright, flavorful, bakery-quality lemon loaf.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving 1–2 inches overhanging for easy removal.

Step 2: Flavor the Sugar

1. Add granulated sugar and lemon zest to a mixing bowl.
2. Use your hands to rub the zest into the sugar for about 30 seconds, releasing the natural oils and intensifying the lemon flavor.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Oil

1. Add butter and vegetable oil to the sugar mixture.
2. Mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

1. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Scrape down the bowl.
3. Add lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract, mixing until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 6: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with Greek yogurt and milk.
2. Begin and end with dry ingredients.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 7: Bake the Loaf

1. Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan.
2. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
3. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before applying the syrup.

Step 8: Lemon Simple Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil for about 1 minute.
2. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
3. Use a pastry brush to coat the warm loaf generously with syrup.

Pro Tip: Brushing while warm ensures the syrup soaks in, keeping the loaf moist.

Step 9: Lemon Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.
2. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
3. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Zest Intensely: More zest increases lemon brightness.
• Make Ahead: Loaf keeps up to 4 days at room temperature, tightly covered.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil; thaw before serving.
• Add Poppy Seeds: 1–2 teaspoons add texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Tart, tangy lemon with sweet vanilla notes.
• Texture: Moist, soft crumb with a glossy, sweet glaze.
• Pairings: Excellent with coffee, tea, or as a mid-morning snack.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per Slice)

• Calories: 260–300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 10–12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4–6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 180 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly; can be adapted to gluten-free or dairy-free.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.
• Glaze Tips: Apply glaze right before serving to maintain texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

2. Can I substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt?
Yes, sour cream works perfectly to maintain moisture and tang.

3. Why brush simple syrup on the loaf?
It keeps the cake extra moist and enhances lemon flavor.

4. Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
Yes! Adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes for muffins or 35–40 minutes for mini loaves.

5. Can I add poppy seeds?
Absolutely! 1–2 teaspoons of poppy seeds complement the lemon flavor beautifully.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Prep Ingredients & Pan	5 min	Preheat oven and line pan
Mix Wet Ingredients	10 min	Butter, sugar, oil, eggs, lemon
Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients	5 min	Alternate dry and yogurt/milk
Bake Loaf	50–55 min	Toothpick test for doneness
Apply Simple Syrup	5 min	Brush generously
Drizzle Glaze & Set	10–15 min	Allow glaze to firm
Total Time	65 min	Complete homemade loaf

Serving Suggestions

• Slice into thick or thin pieces for breakfast or dessert.
• Serve with coffee, tea, or a fresh fruit salad.
• Wrap slices in parchment for gifting or lunchbox treats.

Ingredient Spotlight

Lemons

• Selection: Choose firm, bright yellow lemons for maximum juice and zest.
• Storage: Store at room temperature for 1 week or refrigerate for up to 1 month.
• Enhancing Flavor: Zest releases essential oils, intensifying citrus flavor.

Greek Yogurt

• Selection: Full-fat ensures a moist, tender loaf.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before baking.
• Tip: Yogurt adds subtle tang and moisture to the crumb.

Pro Baking Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs, butter, milk, and yogurt blend better.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can create a dense loaf.
• Zest Sugar Well: Rubbing zest into sugar releases essential oils.
• Test Doneness: Toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter.
• Loaf Removal: Use parchment overhang for easy removal from pan.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap loaf in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.
• Glaze: Best applied after thawing to prevent softening.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	260–300 kcal	Depending on slice thickness
Carbohydrates	40 g	Sweet and citrusy
Fat	10–12 g	Butter and oil
Protein	4 g	Greek yogurt adds protein
Sugar	25 g	Includes glaze
Sodium	180 mg	Moderate

Expanded Conclusion

This Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, soft and moist, with a bright lemon flavor that shines in every bite. Baking this loaf from scratch gives you control over flavor and sweetness, and the simple syrup and glaze ensure it stays moist and irresistible.

Whether for a special brunch, a homemade gift, or a sweet treat for yourself, this loaf delivers bakery-quality results right in your kitchen. Experiment with variations like poppy seeds or mini loaves to customize your experience. Once you try it, this lemon loaf will become your go-to recipe for lemony happiness.

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